project runway

Greetings my fellow “Project Runway” fans. Apologies for not recapping last week. Once again, I was out of town and in Las Vegas for a debacherous weekend with a few friends. Three days at home and I’m still recovering. That’s how good it was.

Surprisingly, with me away Lifetime still decided to air a new PR episode. LOL. At least, the one I missed was a menswear challenge. Viktor definitely deserved the win and Oliver without a doubt, needed to go home. That being said, both Anya and Kimberly were extremely lucky that Oliver sucked more because both their garments were not-so-fabulous. But enough of last week, let’s start with last night’s “That ’70s Show” Project Runway edition.

The designers were instructed to create two garments- one being a one-piece- that referenced the 70s but without being to literal. If you watched last week’s episode, you know a few of them went down the literal route. The winning design would be manufactured and sold on PiperLime.com. They were given $100 and $50 for each of the outfits. Speaking of money, Anya lost hers at Mood and was limited to leftover change and scraps of fabric donated by the other designers. Proving my girl has it when it comes to women’s clothes (cuz she sucks with men), she not only managed to create two fantastic garments but won the challenge too. Anya FTW.

Joining the panel this week was Olivia Palermo of “The City” fame. Apparently, this snooty biznatch is working at PiperLime.com now. Erin Kaplan (The City) must be ecstatic that Olivia isn’t tormenting her at Elle anymore and someone else’s nightmare. In true Olivia fashion, she didn’t hold back on her critiques but dare I say it… she wasn’t as bitchy as I thought she would be. Maybe her most cutting comments were left on the editing floor. That being said, I hope they bring back Olivia as a guest judge. Unlike other guest judges, Olivia has no problem being unlikeable to the masses. Check out this week’s designs below.

The week’s episode of “Project Runway” should’ve really been titled “What Men Want” instead. Considering the challenge began with the husbands/boyfriends of the designer’s new clients giving them direction and fabric suggestions it would’ve been more appropriate. Plus with all the talk about boobs and cleavage, it was a straight man’s dream. Even Tim Gunn had boobies on his mind. Whether he was complementing the firmness of a woman’s breasts or his inexperience with Double D cup sizes, Tim was drowning in décolletage.

The beginning of the episode began with a fakeout by Heidi. The designers thought they were creating menswear which freaked a lot of them out. Most of them have never done men’s clothing, let alone men who were not model sizes. Oliver’s confessional regarding a few of the men’s girth was hilarious: “Were left with all these fat people. Fat is fine but not when I’m making clothes“. Oliver cracks me up. He’s so unassuming and quiet, but delivers some of the bitchiest one-liners. Yet no one gets mad at him because of his demeanor. You have to watch this video piece discussing Oliver and Bert’s strange relationship on MyLifetime.com. It’s hilarious.

Joining the judging panel this week was actress Malin Akerman (The Watchmen). I have to give Akerman credit with her performance. Her critiques were astute, constructive and well-thought out. Girlfriend definitely did her homework before filming.

You’re probably thinking why the eff am I recapping “Project Runway” now? It does seem pretty random considering we’re in the middle of Season 9. I’m loving this season so much, I had to write about it. While some critics think this season isn’t one of their best, I have to respectfully disagree. Most of the designers are quite likable and I have several I’m rooting for. There are also a couple of personalities who create enough friction to make the episodes interesting. I’m not going to recap the episodes in the traditional sense, but rather just quickly talk about the designs and the elimination.

This week, the designers were in store for yet another team challenge which means lots of drama. Once split up, the teams were informed they had to create their own signature fabric designs (always a favorite challenge of mine). They were also instructed to capture video and images which would serve as inspiration and a backdrop for their runway show. Loved this latest twist for the show. Both teams’ visuals worked out pretty well. Betsy Johnson appeared briefly on the show to advise the designers on showmanship. Joining the judging panel this week were designer Rachel Roy and actress Rose Byrne. See how both teams fared below.

Who knew they could create an entire series based on bangles, headbands and oversized bags, but somehow the Weinstein Brothers managed to find a way. The team behind the highly-addictive “Project Runway” is producing “Project Accessory”. It’s the latest spinoff to come from the design show. “Project Accessory” will air after “Project Runway All Stars” on Lifetime. I can’t wait to hear this show’s signature saying and goodbye. Auf Wiedersehen, bitches.

“Throughout the intense competition, their ingenuity will be pushed to the edge in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, headpieces and other wares as they showcase their talents and ability to revolutionize the accessories business,” – Lifetime

I wonder if this venture will last longer than “Models of the Runway” which I loved. How hilarious is it that the models on “Project Runway” had their own show the past two seasons and this year they’re like an elephant in the room that no one talks about. Even though it was clear the designers switched models last week, the show didn’t even mention it for one second. OUCH.

It’s only natural for every good reality show to have an All-Stars season, so it’s no surprise that Project Runway is doing the same. Well, the cast for the upcoming season has now been revealed and we’ve got the full list for you as well as what I think of each of them.

In addition to your returning favorites (and maybe not so favorites), designers Isaac Mizrahi & Georgina Chapman will serve as judges. This year, Supermodel, Angela Lindvall will take Heidi Klum’s spot as host while Editor-In-Chief of Marie Claire, Joanna Coles will take Tim Gunn’s position as mentor.

This time, the 13 designers will compete for an exclusive designer’s boutique in Neiman Marcus stores, $100,000 in technology and office space, and $100,000 in cash. They will also vie for a feature spread and a one-year assignment as guest editor for Marie Claire, as well as a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International. The All-Star season won’t air til late 2012. BOO.

It’s time to make it work again. Lifetime just announced the start date for Project Runway’s ninth season. All the fashion drama and designer meltdowns will begin on Thursday, July 28 and it promises to be bigger than ever. They aren’t kidding. Not only is Heidi Klum getting naked in the promos (see full pic below), but the season will begin with 20 designers- the most ever on the show- and feature a bevy of celebrity judges.

On the season premiere, the 20 chosen contestants will have to stand before the judges and tell them why they should make the cut. In other words, you’ll see a bunch of fashionistas begging, pleading and hopefully crying to the panel for a spot in the workroom. Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia will eliminate four designers on the spot, narrowing down the field to 16. The remaining designers will then be guided by the judges to “one of the toughest first challenges in the series’ history” as said by Lifetime. Ooooh, I love a good innovative first challenge. Til this day, Austin Scarlet’s corn husk dress still wows me.

We’re still recovering from our NYE celebrations, so we decided to take today off. In lieu of new articles, we decided to repost some of our favorite 2010 Year End List-themed posts from this year. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

Is it me or did Fall 2010′s reality shows feature more annoying contestants than ever before? I don’t even think I’m exaggerating in the least. Cumulatively, the networks cast the most polarizing and irritating reality stars in recent memory if not ever. There were moments during this Fall TV season, when my jaw literally fell to the ground after witnessing some of their behavior. It was baffling to see how some of these people consistently remained on their respective shows, despite their shenanigans.

While I do recognize I could choose to stop watching the offending shows, I didn’t for the sake of my dear loyal reality TV fanatics. Papa’s gotta do his research you know. Hands up, if you believe that line of BS. Truth be told, I just didn’t have enough strength to stop staring at the trainwrecks. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and help me bequeath “The Most Annoying Reality Star” title to one of these hookers.

Project Runway crowned its newest winner last night. Regardless of the outcome, this has been the best season since the show moved to Lifetime from Bravo. The season had it all, epic catfights, villainesses and one designer everyone hated. They definitely did a great job casting for this season. After the past two seasons where Irina and Seth Aaron won, I was starting to worry that one of my favorite shows had lost its touch.

The episode began with a short reunion with all the designers. It was a bit of the same old, same old, except… when did Ivy turn on Gretchen? Ivy was out for blood and wanted to vilify her. The two were BFFs during the season. They were like Regina and Gretchen from “Mean Girls” talking smack about every designer. Listen Miss Ivy Higa, you’re just upset because you finally got a taste of your own medicine.

After narrowing the Top Three designers to two, the judges had one of the best (and longest) deliberations ever on the show. Seriously, the debates they were having between the two designers were insane. I’ve never seen Michael Kors so passionate. At times, he was arguing so much, his face flushed as orangey red as Heidi’s outfit. Nina Garcia even motioned and eked out the catfight meow sound as the two went at it. Surprisingly, guest judge Jessica Simpson held her won with knowledgeable fashion critique. I also commend her for not backing down from her stance as the judges stood at a standstill.